Former Brumbies and Wallabies assistant Laurie Fisher will join the Australia U20s (formally Junior Wallabies) coaching staff in 2024.
Fisher steps in as assistant coach under Nathan Grey after departing the Brumbies at the end of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
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It comes as Grey names a 45-man preliminary squad to begin preparations for an expanded international campaign in 2024.
The ACT Brumbies dominate the squad after their success in Super Rugby U19s with 18 selections.
This includes Brumbies captain Lachlan Hooper, instrumental in their 20-12 over the Waratahs in the Final. Hooper is joined by fellow Junior Wallaby Toby Macpherson and flyhalf Cullen Gray amongst others.
Prop Jack Barrett is one of three Waratahs players set to return to the Junior Wallabies in 2024 alongside lock Ollie McCrea and centre Jackson Ropata.
Reds centre Frankie Goldsbrough has also been included after recently being named in Les Kiss’ 2024 Super Rugby squad, one of eight Reds included.
Force winger Kauri Tipene-Grace headlines the six inclusions from the WA-based side whilst captain Divad Palu is one of three Rebels included.
The squad is made up of players not involved with Super Rugby Pacific pre-season, with the likes of Waratahs superstar Max Jorgensen, Reds flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Rebels number eight Leafi Talataina unavailable for selection.
Australia will host the first-ever Under 20 Rugby Championship in May, presenting the team with a valuable opportunity to test themselves before the U20 World Championships.
"We are excited with the talent that has emerged from this year's Super Rugby Men's U19 tournament, and we believe the players we have selected have the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage," Grey said in a statement.
“Our coaching team is dedicated to providing them with the support and guidance they need to flourish and represent Australia with pride."
Forwards
Jack Barrett – Waratahs
Bryn Edwards – Waratahs
Jackson Stiel – Waratahs
Harvey Cordukes – Brumbies
Toby Macpherson – Brumbies
Dane Sawers - Force
Lachlan Hooper - Brumbies
Pat Sowerby - Reds
Sam Sahyoun- Brumbies
Tevita Alatini – Brumbies
Ollie McCrea - Waratahs
Charlie Brosnan – Reds
Joe Liddy - Reds
Arnie Tancred - Waratahs
Judah Saumaisue - Rebels
Macarius Pereira – Reds
Boston Morete – Brumbies
Drew Brndusic – Brumbies
Pat Gavin – Reds
Caleb Karangaroa – Force
Ben Di Staso – Waratahs
Manaia Tetana – Force
Lington Leli – Brumbies
Lleyten Tautua - Brumbies
Jack Harley – Brumbies
Backs
Dan Nelson – Brumbies
Cullen Gray – Brumbies
Divad Palu - Rebels
Jackson Ropata – Waratahs
Archie Saunders – Waratahs
Will McCulloch – Reds
Doug Philipson – Force
Joey Fowler – Rebels
Jakob Biet – Brumbies
Jullien Caillol – Waratahs
Kauri Tipene-Grace – Force
Angus Staniforth – Brumbies
Billy Dickens – Waratahs
Will Nason – Reds
Jarrah McLeod – Brumbies
Frankie Goldsbrough – Reds
Tiam Toufan – Force
Shane Wilcox – Brumbies
Eli Sagala – Brumbies
Thomas Hayes – Brumbies
Not considered due to injury or Super Rugby Pacific commitments
Oniti Finau
Trevor King
Nick Bloomfield
Ben Daniels
Leafi Talataina
Dom Thygesen
Ryan McGloin
Max Jorgensen
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Ronan Leahy
